Already this year, many fire departments have been called to fight a number of wildland and grassland fires throughout South Dakota with the latest fire in the Black Hills.
According to the Great Plains Fire Information update at around noon on Sunday, the Green Acres fire located a few miles southwest of Hot Springs has burned about 340 acres. The fire was reported to be only 25 percent contained as federal, state, and local fire crews continued to battle the flames.
On Saturday, a few smaller fires were reported in the Black Hills as well. About three miles southeast of Jewel Cave, a small fire burned about 0.25 acres. South of Rapid City along SD Highway 79, a fire broke out, burning 48.4 acres. Fire crews were able to contain the fire and are no longer active.
In eastern South Dakota, a large grass fire in Union County was reported about five miles northeast of Spink on Friday. Several fire departments from Alcester, Vermillion, Centerville, and Elk Point battle the fire. The South Dakota Highway Patrol and Union County Sheriff's Office provided traffic control, and the Beresford and Alcester Ambulance were on stand-by.
Drought conditions continue to increase over the state, with much of the state under a moderate or severe drought. The worst conditions are in the southwest from Hot Springs over to Pine Ridge, Martin, and Mission, where an extreme drought is in place. With these conditions continuing, more fires are expected.